…as another group calls on APC flagbearear to apologise over attack In Duguri
Segun Babatunde, Bauchi
A Coalition of United Civil Society Organizations in Bauchi State has written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to report the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar over the killing of a protester from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at his campaign rally.
This is just as the Concerned Citizens of Bauchi State has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial candidate, Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar to apologise over the violence that broke out in Duguri during his campaign rally in the area.
Convener of the coalition, Yunusa Idris Ndargomi who spoke in Bauchi at the weekend, said that he has asked President Buhari to caution the APC gubernatorial candidate in the State of the ‘lack of tolerance’ exhibited by the APC candidate.
In his letter which was sighted by our Correspondent, he told the President that two people have been killed by security operatives attached to the APC gubernatorial candidate due to show of force he applies to dissenting voices during his campaigns.
“Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar campaign train has been characterized by show of force and violent intimidation on innocent citizens whom in one way or the other showed disapproving gestures against his aspirations.
“Security attached to him has shot and kill two innocent persons in Akuyam district of Misau LGA while on a campaign tour. The reason for that act of violence remains show of intolerance in a democratic setting.
“Same scenario happened in Gumau town of Toro LGA were thugs and security attached to him fired live ammunition into dispersing crowd as they shouted the slogan “Bamayi” in the process, injuring scores,” he said.
The coalition further pointed out a recent instance where a clash between the APC team and youths led to the death of one person and several injuries.
“Recently security attached to him also shot about 5 innocent people in Duguri district of Alkaleri LGA of the state, killing one person in the process and injuring many.
“Mr President, may wish to know that, in all the above listed instances, the person in question has never for once showed empathy and has neither visited the families of the victims, nor sympathize with their families or their communities.
“This has further confirmed the notion that the APC flag bearer has approved the use of violent intimidation against the innocent citizens he so desires to rule.
“On a final note, we wish to plead with Mr President to as a matter of urgency to call Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar to order and caution the security to avoid being partisan in their line of duties,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Citizens of Bauchi State has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial candidate, Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar to apologise over the violence that broke out in Duguri during his campaign rally in the area.
Earlier, Police had confirmed 15 people were injured in Duguri during a clash between supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and APC when Abubakar, in company with former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Ex-Governor Isa Yuguda led his campaign trial to Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Addressing a Press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi weekend, the Leader of the group, Mallam Danlami Danfulani condemned the attack in Duguri, blaming Abubakar for traveling to the hometown of the imcumbent Governor when a Peace Accord was being signed by all the political parties in the state saying if he had not been in Duguri the attack would not have taken place.
Danfulani said he was once a stakeholder of the APC in the state being a member of the State. Campaign Council and a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the APC Gubernatorial candiidate but left
.
According to him, “After duly studying the terrain of his campaign and the composition of his team l realised that it is not a viable team that will bring developmental projects, peace and social security to the state,which I voluntarily together with my teaming supporters withdrew our membership cards from APC as a party” .
He said that the brutal attack in Duguri was uncalled for, and condemned the incident, saying similar ones happened in February this year in Akuyam, Misau local government area of the state.
The leader of the group then called on the state government to establish a panel to investigate thoroughly the incident, and whosever has a hand in the attack in Duguri should be made to face justice.
” Now people will believe with us that whosoever is looking for leadership , his team or campaign must have self confidence, honesty and sincerity and actions which must meet the wishes of the people by providing excellent example as a leader with tolerance, open mindedness and hav a dialogue as a means of dispute settlement,” he said.
While calling on the people of Duguri to continue to be law abiding, he extended his condolences to the families of those injured in the attack.
Danfulani appealed to the state government to settle the medical expenses and rehabilitate them.